Making Waves: How Amy Schwader's Journey as a Dog Mom Led to her business, Gunnel Pups
Photos: Amy Schwader/Gunnel Pups (© Amber Bruski)
For Amy Schwader, being a dog mom means more than just weekend walks in the park. It has sparked a journey that led her to create Gunnel Pups, a brand specializing in waterproof adventure gear for New England’s most active dogs. Inspired by her beloved retriever Annie and the challenges of finding durable, fashionable collars that could keep up with their adventurous lifestyle, Amy’s story is one of love, loss, and the pursuit of something greater. But at the heart of it all is a devoted dog mom who saw a need and turned it into a solution that reflects her passion for her pups and the dog-loving community.
How Did Amy Schwader’s Journey as a Dog Mom Lead to Gunnel Pups?
Amy Schwader’s journey as a dog mom truly began when she welcomed Annie, an English cream golden retriever, into her life in 2020. Annie quickly became Amy’s adventure companion, joining her on boating trips, hikes, and long days at the beach. Their active lifestyle brought joy, but it also revealed the shortcomings of traditional dog gear. The collars Amy bought for Annie couldn’t keep up with the wear and tear of their adventures, leading to the creation of Gunnel Pups, a line of waterproof adventure gear for dogs who love the outdoors
Photo: Amy Schwader/Gunnel Pups (© Amber Bruski)
"Annie and I have been on many adventures together, so many of them in the ocean and in the woods," Amy recalls. But after just a few weekends, the collars Amy bought for Annie began to show wear and tear. "The fabric faded quickly, and the hardware always rusted, staining both dogs’ necks. I knew there had to be a better way to create dog collars that met my high expectations: beautiful, classy, easy to clean, and able to withstand harsh conditions like sunshine, saltwater, chlorine, or just plain ol’ dirty water."
That’s when Amy took matters into her own hands and began developing Gunnel Pups, a line of waterproof adventure gear designed specifically for dogs like Annie who love exploring the outdoors
Photo: Amy Schwader/Gunnel Pups (© Amber Bruski)
Annie Was the Inspiration Behind Gunnel Pups
Annie and her littermate sister Bridie were at the heart of the inspiration for Gunnel Pups. Amy shares that the two golden retrievers spent a lot of time together in the ocean and on the beach. "They also enjoyed biting each other’s faces (a sister thing) and spent time rolling in smelly seaweed, frolicking in pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, and muddy puddles," Amy explains.
However, after a few weekends, their collars were constantly breaking down—fading, rusting, and even starting to smell. "I was sick of buying collars for them that would rust or fade after a weekend or two of playing on the beach and in the ocean," Amy recalls. This frustration led her to create something that could withstand their active and adventurous lifestyle
Photo: Amy Schwader/Gunnel Pups (© Amber Bruski)
Amy Created Gunnel Pups to Solve a Real Problem for Active Dog Moms
For Amy, starting Gunnel Pups was about solving a personal frustration. "I was sick of buying collars for them that would rust or fade after a weekend or two of playing on the beach and in the ocean," Amy explains. She knew that other dog moms, especially those who loved the outdoors, likely faced the same issues.
She focused on finding the right materials that could stand up to the saltwater, mud, and sunshine of New England adventures. "I challenged myself to make something better—something classic, beautiful, and durable." With months of research, Amy chose marine-grade stainless steel hardware and UV-resistant fabric to ensure the collars wouldn’t rust or fade, and could handle everything Annie and Bridie threw at them
Photos: Amy Schwader/Gunnel Pups (© Amber Bruski)
Gunnel Pups Honors Annie’s Legacy Through Adventure and Giving Back
In September 2023, after three years of love and adventure, Amy lost Annie to congenital kidney disease. But Amy turned her grief into something positive. "I’m proud of the path she set me on, one that inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and create something I hope you and your pups will enjoy."
To honor Annie’s memory, Amy has committed to making a portion of Gunnel Pups’ profits go toward dog-related charities that support pups in need. "Through Gunnel Pups, we support a charity dedicated to helping pups thrive. Annie’s legacy is about more than just the products; it’s about creating a community of love and support for dogs everywhere," Amy shares.
Photos: Amy Schwader/Gunnel Pups (© Amber Bruski)
Amy’s Next Steps with Gunnel Pups Include Expanding Her Product Line
Looking ahead, Amy has exciting plans for Gunnel Pups. "I have so many ideas for Gunnel Pups! I’d like to expand our product offerings to include martingale collars, leashes, harnesses, and even dog beds." But even as the brand grows, Amy remains committed to giving back and honoring Annie’s legacy.
Photos: Amy Schwader/Gunnel Pups (© Amber Bruski)
Amy’s vision for the future also includes increasing charitable efforts. "While a portion of all sales already supports a charity, my dream would be to fund specific projects aimed at improving the lives of pups and their owners. As a fundraising professional, giving back is a huge part of my identity and something I always want to do," Amy explains
Photo: Amy Schwader/Gunnel Pups (© Amber Bruski)
Amy ’s journey from devoted dog mom to founder of Gunnel Pups is a story of passion, resilience, and love. Through her brand, she’s not only solved a problem for adventurous dog owners but also created a way to honor Annie’s legacy. To explore Gunnel Pups’ collection of waterproof adventure gear, visit Gunnel Pups and join the pack today!
You can follow Amy and Gunnel Pups at:
Website: gunnelpups.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/gunnelpups
Instagram: instagram.com/gunnelpups
Image Credits: All photos provided by Amy Schwader, Gunnel Pups. Original photography by Amber Bruski, 2023.
